Methamphetamine trafficking and abuse are the leading contributors
to property and violent crimes in the CVC HIDTA region. In fact, 20
of the 24 state and local law enforcement agencies that responded to
the National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS) 2006 report that methamphetamine
is the drug that most contributes to property crime and violent crime
in their areas. Most methamphetamine-related property crime, such as
burglary, identity theft, and property theft, is committed by methamphetamine
abusers; however, most methamphetamine-related violent crime, including
assault and homicide, is perpetrated by members of DTOs, criminal groups,
and street gangs in the course of their drug trafficking operations.

Marijuana-related violence is also a significant concern in the CVC
HIDTA region, particularly violence associated with protection of cannabis
plots. During eradication operations, law enforcement officers have
encountered grow sites protected by armed guards and by booby traps
such as pipe bombs, barbed wire fences, and bear traps. Law enforcement
officials in CVC HIDTA counties also have reported that individuals
who grow marijuana--in many cases legally, for medicinal use under Proposition
215--have become the targets of violent home invasions perpetrated by
criminals seeking to steal marijuana, cannabis plants, and grow equipment.